Frodo Baggins inherits a ring from his friend and uncle, who then disappears--thus begins Frodo's epic quest through Middle-earth. From his humble and comfortable life in the Shire, Frodo is thrust into a world so much bigger than he imagined, filled with evil and death as well as lyrical beauty and heroic sacrifice. How can one small hobbit make a difference against overwhelming odds and evil, and why continue when failure appears certain? J. R. R. Tolkien, close friend of C. S. Lewis, created in this book the opening of a sweeping epic myth for our times.